Police in Trail say a car bomb that seriously injured a 41-year-old man earlier this month might have connections to organized crime and the drug trade in the West Kootenays.

It was during the morning of Friday, Sept. 9, that residents of Montrose awoke to the sound of an explosion on 8th Avenue in the mountain village, just east of Trail. Aside from the blast, pieces of metal shrapnel were found in at least one nearby home, narrowly missing the homeowner.

Sgt. Mike Wicentowich, commander of RCMP’s detachment in Trail, said the victims car had been rigged with a bomb, and that he contacted 911 with the help of a neighbour, before being transported to hospital.

Police now say circumstances around the bombing, as well as the profile of the victim, is part of what makes them suspect the car bomb had a connection to organized crime. 

No suspects have been identified.

Listen to Trail and Greater District RCMP Sgt. Mike Wicentowich's interview with KCR News' John Rune: